Just wanted to see what everyone’s thoughts are on this.
Guy reachs out to me via text asking about my availability to do an inspection on 10/5. I had asked him a few basic questions. He gives me the address. He asks and I specifically quote, “Please provide me your estimate for the home inspection and random testing, including the termite inspection. Provides address and few details of home, 1313sq ft inspections to the mold specialists. Please give me your estimate.”
So, I do just that give him a quote and a few details of what my inspections offer. I advised that for mold inspections to reach out to a mold specialist or environmentalist because at this time this is not something I offer. He advises he’s not working with a realtor that he’s the property owner. and he wants the inspection to be done looking for any potential damages and repairs as well as to get homeowners insurance. Cool no problem.
He then says quote, “Okay… Your price is reasonable. Enough, the house will be empty for you guys on the scheduled date, and all utilities will be at your disposal. The scheduled date and time for the inspection is 10/16 at 10am. Please let me know whether that time is convenient for you as well.”
Which this was the first red flag for me. At this point he has already given me his name; I ask for his email to get him on the schedule after I had checked to make sure it was available. He proceeds to ask for an address and the name of the payable person to send a check to me. A little weird but ok, give him the details. I got a text last night and he says this,
“Please Once you’ve received and deposited the Check with you this new week, do let me know. The check was received to cover both your payment and the payment made to the plumber guys so that we could move forward with the inspection. The plumber people might have been handled by me! however I don’t have either of those bank apps called Cash App or Zelle! The payment was made in a single form because of this! Just keep an eye out for the check and let me know when it arrives, alright?”
2nd red flag. My response was asking what he was referring to about the plumbing guys because he had never mentioned them previously. Also, I told him that I do not handle any forms of payment to other people that are hired to perform work at the property. I recommended him to directly pay that person. I have no issues taking checks as payment, card, bank transfers or cash. But this, this is just sketchy to me. He has not yet signed the inspection agreement. With all of this it prompted me to check the property information and the owner of the property is VSP Orlando LLC which is completely different than what he had given me. Which is my 3rd red flag. I am tempted to tell him that I am unfortunately unable to perform the inspection that something had come up.
What are your thoughts on this and what would you do?
